Some of the biggest stars in the sport will be involved in a conference call tomorrow evening, in what is being described as an “industry re-defining mixed martial arts announcement.”
At 4pm ET / 9pm UK, some of MMA’s most recognisable names, including former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw as well as top contenders Donald Cerrone and Tim Kennedy, will speak to the MMA media.
The other notable name on the list is Bellator MMA founder and former CEO, Bjorn Rebney, who after leaving the promotion in June of 2014 has been completely radio silent not conducting any interviews or even interacting with any form of social media. It’ll be interesting to hear what Rebney has to say as well as what his involvement is on this announcement.
Here’s what we do know; St-Pierre, Velasquez and Kennedy are all signed to Hollywood powerhouse talent management company Creative Artists Agency (CAA) who just so happen to be the primary competitor to WME-IMG, who now own the UFC following their $4 billion acquisition this past summer.
While the topic of the call is being kept tightly under wraps there is speculation that it might be a call to action to organise MMA fighters under some sort of union or association.
While efforts have been made by the Professional Fighters Association (PFA) and the Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association (MMAFA) neither has been successful in being able to generate enough interest and support from the wider fighter community to really get things off the ground.
It remains to be seen if these CAA represented fighters, led by Rebney, will go down this path. However, if they do, it would appear that from a leadership point of view they would have the best chance in getting things in motion and fast.
For now, Planet MMA is locked in anticipation. Be sure to check back here at Fighters Only as we’ll have all the details emerging from the call on Thursday morning.
